maximum

noun

max·​i·​mum ˈmak-s(ə-)məm 

plural maxima ˈmak-sə-mə  or maximums ˈmak-s(ə-)məmz 

1

a

: the greatest quantity or value attainable or attained

b

: the period of highest, greatest, or utmost development

2

: an upper limit allowed (as by a legal authority) or allowable (as by the circumstances of a particular case)

3

: the largest of a set of numbers

specifically : the largest value assumed by a real-valued continuous function defined on a closed interval

maximum adjective

Synonyms

• max
• most
• outside

Examples of maximum in a Sentence

achieved the maximum

Recent Examples on the Web

For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the 2025 maximum is $967 for individuals and $1,450 for couples, though payments may be lower based on income, living situation, and other eligibility factors. —Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025

The rules of the sport dictate that teams can carry a maximum of 14 pitchers on their active 26-man roster. —Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 1 May 2025

Before the Affordable Care Act (ACA), medical claims rarely exceeded $1 million because lifetime maximums were common practice in the industry, and insurers would stop paying at a certain amount (often $1 million to $2 million). —Mehb Khoja, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025

The upside maximum is capped out at $17.85 or $1,785 per one lot spread, $20 call spread minus the cost of the spread ($2.15). —Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin, neuter of maximus biggest — more at maxim

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing maximum

• maximum likelihood
• maximum occupancy
• maximum security prison

Kids Definition

maximum

noun

max·​i·​mum ˈmak-s(ə-)məm 

plural maxima -sə-mə  or maximums

1

: the highest quantity, value, or development

2

: an upper limit allowed

maximum adjective

Medical Definition

maximum

noun

max·​i·​mum ˈmak-s(ə-)məm 

plural maxima -sə-mə  or maximums

1

a

: the greatest quantity or value attainable or attained

b

: the period of highest, greatest, or utmost development

2

: an upper limit allowed (as by a legal authority) or allowable (as by the circumstances of a particular case)

maximum adjective